SERIES & GRADE:

POSITION INFORMATION:

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:

DUTY LOCATIONS:

WHO MAY APPLY:

All United States Citizens and Nationals.

**NOTE: ANNOUNCEMENT EXTENDED THROUGH FRIDAY, 10/26/12.

JOB SUMMARY:

Reclamation is a contemporary water management agency. Reclamation is best known for Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River and Folsom Dam on the American River. Today we are the largest wholesaler of water in the country and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the western United States. Visit: www.usbr.gov

Position is being advertised concurrently under BR-GP-EC-12-96 for current Federal employees serving under competitive service career or career-conditional appointments, former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility, VEOA eligible veterans or persons eligible for non-competitive appointment under special appointing authorities (such as 30% Disabled Veterans). If you are interested in applying under both announcement numbers, you must submit application packages for each.

Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his/her expertise as an Electrical Engineer. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.

Would you enjoy ensuring the safe and efficient operation of Government facilities? The incumbent will be responsible for providing technical expertise in design, construction, maintenance, and testing of electrical/electronic features of hydroelectric powerplants and associated projects. Incumbent functions as the supervisory control and programmable logic controller technical specialist and may provide technical assistance in electrical engineering matters to the Area's field offices, local irrigation districts and water users.

Here is a great opportunity to join a great organization with excellent growth potential!

DUTIES:

-Provides technical assistance for the operation and maintenance of the electrical/electronic features of the Eastern Colorado Area Office's dams, powerplants, communications systems, and water control structures.-Conducts and analyzes various tests such as power factor (Doble), DC highpot, DC Ramp, and other electrical tests as recommended by manufacturers, the Regional Office, and/or Denver Technical Services Center.-Provides maintenance engineering assistance and services primarily at Mt. Elbert Pumped/Storage Powerplant and to other field offices and water users for the electrical facilities associated with hydroelectric powerplants and water control structures. Assures compliance with NERC/WECC rules.-Performs planning, design, installation, testing and maintenance of electrical/electronic equipment primarily at Mt. Elbert and other Eastern Colorado Area Office facilities.-Performs project management activities including justifications and cost estimates. Ensures budget and schedule goals are met.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

A. Professional engineering degree from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum; or (2) include differential and integral calculus AND courses (advanced beyond first year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

-OR-

B. Combination of education AND experience--college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished: 1) a thorough knowledge of physical and mathematical sciences underlying professional engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1) Professional registration; 2) Written test--Evidence of having successfully passed the Engineer-in-Training (EIT) exam or the written test required for professional registration; 3) Specified academic courses--Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified in the basic requirements. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of a professional engineering curriculum as described in paragraph A; or 4) Related curriculum--Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in engineering technology or appropriate professional field provided applicant has 1 year professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.

GS-11: 3 years of directly related, progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree - OR - 1 year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-09 level in the Federal service - OR - a combination of education and experience.

GS-12: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal service.

DEFINITION OF SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: To meet specialized experience, your resume must describe experience that demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities as follows:

GS-11: Engineering experience and project planning in the design, repair, testing, and modification of electrical equipment or systems typical of a power-generation work facility. Engineering experience includes proficiency in working with several of the following: control circuits, relay and protection circuits, electrical generation and motor equipment, PLC and computerized control equipment, communication equipment, meters, sensors, governors, and auxiliary equipment.

GS-12: Engineering experience and project management and supervision in the design, repair, testing, or modification of electrical equipment or systems typical of a hydro power-generation work facility. Engineering experience includes proficiency in working with several of the following: control circuits, relay and protection circuits, electrical generation and motor equipment, PLC and computerized control equipment, communication equipment, meters, sensors, governors, and auxiliary equipment.

This position has a mandatory education requirement; you must furnish a copy of your college transcript(s) (unofficial copy is acceptable). Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred. Non-submission will result in you being rated not qualified for the position.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, applicants must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs.

You must meet all qualification requirements and any selective placement factors by the closing date of this announcement.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Category rating and selection procedures will be used for evaluating this position. If you meet the basic qualification requirements, your on-line responses to the vacancy assessment questionnaire will be used to determine the quality and extent of your experience, education, training, etc., for placement in one of the following categories: 1) Highly Qualified, 2) Qualified. Qualified candidates will be assigned a numerical score on a scale of 70-100 and Veterans with preference will be placed at the top of their respective category. The assessment questionnaire will take you approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Applicants will be further evaluated on the following "Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)" through your resume and responses to the online questions.

1. Knowledge and experience in performing electrical engineering tasks including design, principles, theories, planning, and techniques.2. Knowledge and experience in the preparation, analysis, and review of equipment designs, technical specifications, and technical studies for the purpose of designing, maintaining, and repairing a variety of electrical systems and equipment.3. Ability to communicate orally, in writing, and through the use of electronic communication tools. This includes the requirement for clear and concise communications on technical subjects and situations with individuals of diverse groups at various levels.4. Knowledge of safe operating procedures when working in hazardous areas or on dangerous equipment.

Applicants' answers to questions will be verified against information provided in their online resumes. Be sure that the resume clearly supports the responses to all the questions by addressing experience, education and/or training relevant to this position. Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is apparent in your description of experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training OR that your resume/application is incomplete, you may be rated ineligible or your score may be lowered. To preview questions please click here.

BENEFITS:

Working for the Bureau of Reclamation offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. To explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees, visit: www.usajobs.gov/ResourceCenter/Index/Interactive/Benefits#icc

OTHER INFORMATION:

-At Government expense, the applicant selected will be required to complete and successfully pass a pre-employment physical.

-This position requires travel of approximately 3-4 nights per month.

-Operation of a Government vehicle is required; therefore, a valid State driver's license is required. Driving record will be verified prior to final selection.

-Potential exposure to adverse working conditions includes: high noise, vibration, temperature extremes, waterways, tunnels, stairs and ladders, confined spaces, high voltage switchyards, working at high altitudes (9,000 feet and above), and working in remote locations requiring hiking uneven and strenuous trails.

-Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. For more information visit: www.sss.gov

-Equal Employment Opportunity: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documents) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button on the right side of any page.

This vacancy is being announced through Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System--HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: www.usbr.gov/pmts/hr/hireme.html

As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in your not being considered for this position. Options for submitting supporting documentation include Auto Requested Fax or uploading from your USAJOBS profile - instructions provided during the online application process. In addition, you may E-mail your supporting documentation to gphireme@usbr.gov; fax directly to the HR Office at 406-247-7875; mail to PO Box 36900, Billings, MT 59107-6900; OR hand-deliver to 316 North 26th St., Billings, MT. Include your name and the vacancy number on the supporting document(s).

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us at the phone number shown at the bottom of this page. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume (with dates of employment, i.e. years and months), an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:

-TRANSCRIPT(S): All applicants MUST furnish a copy of your college transcript(s). If you have foreign education you must also submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. educational standards. If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.

-DD-214, CERTIFICATE OF RELEASE FROM ACTIVE DUTY: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, and you should indicate the type of preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.

-For 5-point veterans' preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.

-CTAP/ICTAP: Provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified, i.e. meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective placement factors, education and experience requirements and score at least 85 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: www.opm.gov/ctap/index.asp

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

After application packages have been received, resumes, assessment questionnaires and transcript(s), will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Applicants who meet the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in their USAJOBS profile.